Alright so I recently decided to start living in an RV permanently (at least for the time being). However, I'm having trouble finding one I'd LOVE to buy. I want something used, under $6,000. I have a list of wants:- Has a generator- 25'-29' (definitely nothing over 30', I don't need much space)- Tub shower (not necessary though, just better for my pup)- Class C- No more than 80k miles- No problems with leaks- sleeps 6 or more- AC- Roof rack with ladder- Cruise control- A little bit of kitchen counter space- Nothing older than 1983However, I just ran across this BEAUTIFUL 1980 Dodge Rockwood Class C motorhome with 80k miles on it. I'm leery of something so old, because I don't want to have to spend loads of money fixing it up to travel across the country come fall. However, this specific RV looks pristine on the inside, has had a recent tune up, new exhaust, battery, and tires, and just generally looks like it has been well taken care of and loved. It's on Craigslist, with I'm also hesitant to use.. and it also happens to be a 10 hour drive away from me, making it difficult to simply go see it. I want to be nearly dedicated to buying it if I'm going to drive that far just to see it.So, does anyone have advice on older RVs, that seemingly look very well taken care of? Does anyone have experience with this specific model? What has everyone's experience with Craigslist RV buying been like? Do you think my list of wants is too much? Any advice you have to offer would be wonderful, thank you!!Alicia

Your budget, or rather lack of budget is going to be your biggest hindrance. For 6K an 80's or maybe a early 90's vintage is about what you can expect. And at that age there is going to be problems. Things like the roof may need replacing, tires for sure, fixing wood rot is a definite possibility. Not to mention appliances that no longer function. Unless you can up that number to at least 10K you are more than likely going to be throwing good money after bad chasing problems.

an 83 is acceptable to you but not an 80???????????????bumpy

donn0128 wrote:Your budget, or rather lack of budget is going to be your biggest hindrance. For 6K an 80's or maybe a early 90's vintage is about what you can expect. And at that age there is going to be problems. Things like the roof may need replacing, tires for sure, fixing wood rot is a definite possibility. Not to mention appliances that no longer function. Unless you can up that number to at least 10K you are more than likely going to be throwing good money after bad chasing problems.Yeah, that's basically what I've been looking at, 80-90s. I've found some fairly decent ones, but none that fit me perfectly. I'm also a lot more concerned about stuff like the engine, transmission, and internal parts in general. Because I don't know much about the internal operation of RVs. And those are the things that can end up putting a person is the hole thousands and thousands of dollars. Would you recommend getting the newest one I can possibly afford?

Bumpyroad wrote:an 83 is acceptable to you but not an 80???????????????bumpyAnd '83 is pushing it for me even. I really don't want anyting older than an '87.

alishlosh wrote: Would you recommend getting the newest one I can possibly afford?Yes. A newer motor home will besides offering newer parts, less chances of catastrophic failures if all else is equal. But at 80K miles and as long as the drive train has been maintained I just don't see major problems there. I see far more potential problems with the house parts. Even a small leak can if left untreated can kill an RV in very short time. Think of it this way.... New refer 1500 dollars, new water heater 700 dollars, New stove or furnace 6-700 dollars.New transmission 3000 dollars, rebuilt motor 4-5000 dollars. New roof 150 dollars a foot. Water leak, thousands. Toad? Have you considered how your going to get to the grocery store weekly?Just as a thought, have you considered a decent tow vehicle and a 10K dollar travel trailer?? A 10K dollar TT will get you a really nice 2005-2007 vintage travel trailer in a length that would be comfortable to tow for you. When parked your tow vehicle then is your every day vehicle to get to the store etc. One drive train to maintain. And best of all, if you had a major failure you would still be able to live in the trailer while the TV is being repaired.

Need advice: buying a used RV | Good Sam Community

donn0128
Explorer II
Apr 25, 2014
alishlosh wrote:

Would you recommend getting the newest one I can possibly afford?

Yes. A newer motor home will besides offering newer parts, less chances of catastrophic failures if all else is equal. But at 80K miles and as long as the drive train has been maintained I just don't see major problems there. I see far more potential problems with the house parts. Even a small leak can if left untreated can kill an RV in very short time. Think of it this way.... New refer 1500 dollars, new water heater 700 dollars, New stove or furnace 6-700 dollars.
New transmission 3000 dollars, rebuilt motor 4-5000 dollars. New roof 150 dollars a foot. Water leak, thousands. Toad? Have you considered how your going to get to the grocery store weekly?
Just as a thought, have you considered a decent tow vehicle and a 10K dollar travel trailer?? A 10K dollar TT will get you a really nice 2005-2007 vintage travel trailer in a length that would be comfortable to tow for you. When parked your tow vehicle then is your every day vehicle to get to the store etc. One drive train to maintain. And best of all, if you had a major failure you would still be able to live in the trailer while the TV is being repaired.
alishlosh
Explorer
Apr 25, 2014
Bumpyroad wrote:
an 83 is acceptable to you but not an 80???????????????
bumpy

And '83 is pushing it for me even. I really don't want anyting older than an '87.
alishlosh
Explorer
Apr 25, 2014
donn0128 wrote:
Your budget, or rather lack of budget is going to be your biggest hindrance. For 6K an 80's or maybe a early 90's vintage is about what you can expect. And at that age there is going to be problems. Things like the roof may need replacing, tires for sure, fixing wood rot is a definite possibility. Not to mention appliances that no longer function. Unless you can up that number to at least 10K you are more than likely going to be throwing good money after bad chasing problems.

Yeah, that's basically what I've been looking at, 80-90s. I've found some fairly decent ones, but none that fit me perfectly. I'm also a lot more concerned about stuff like the engine, transmission, and internal parts in general. Because I don't know much about the internal operation of RVs. And those are the things that can end up putting a person is the hole thousands and thousands of dollars. Would you recommend getting the newest one I can possibly afford?
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Apr 25, 2014
an 83 is acceptable to you but not an 80???????????????
bumpy
donn0128
Explorer II
Apr 25, 2014
Your budget, or rather lack of budget is going to be your biggest hindrance. For 6K an 80's or maybe a early 90's vintage is about what you can expect. And at that age there is going to be problems. Things like the roof may need replacing, tires for sure, fixing wood rot is a definite possibility. Not to mention appliances that no longer function. Unless you can up that number to at least 10K you are more than likely going to be throwing good money after bad chasing problems.

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